Elizabeth McGovern
ActingAbout Elizabeth McGovern
Elizabeth McGovern (born July 18, 1961) is an American film, television, and theater actress. In 1980, while studying at Juilliard, McGovern was offered a part in her first film, Ordinary People, in which she played the girlfriend of troubled teenager Timothy Hutton. The following year she completed her education as an actress at the American Conservatory Theatre and at The Juilliard School, and began to appear in plays, first Off-Broadway and later in famous theaters. In 1981, she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Evelyn Nesbit in the film Ragtime. In 1984, she starred in Sergio Leone's gangster epic Once Upon a Time in America as Robert De Niro's romantic interest, Deborah Gelly. In 1989, she played Mickey Rourke's girlfriend in Johnny Handsome, directed by Walter Hill, and the same year she appeared as a rebellious lesbian in Volker Schlöndorff's thriller The Handmaid's Tale.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Elizabeth McGovern reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Elizabeth McGovern's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 24% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Elizabeth McGovern remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Once Upon a Time in America, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Elizabeth McGovern Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Elizabeth McGovern's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Elizabeth McGovern.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale | Cora Crawley | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2024 | And Mrs. | Margaret | Flop | Similar → |
| 2022 | Downton Abbey: A New Era | Cora Crawley | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Downton Abbey | Cora Crawley | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Chaperone | Norma | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | The Wife | Elaine Mozell | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | The Commuter | Karen MacCauley | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Showing Roots | Shirley | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Unexpected | Carolyn | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Swung | Dolly Adams | Flop | Similar → |
| 2015 | Woman in Gold | Judge Florence-Marie Cooper | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Cheerful Weather for the Wedding | Mrs. Thatcham | Flop | Similar → |
| 2011 | Angels Crest | Jane | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Kick-Ass | Mrs. Lizewski | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Clash of the Titans | Marmara | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Inconceivable | Tallulah 'Tutu' Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | A Room with a View | Mrs Honeychurch | Flop | Similar → |
| 2007 | Daphne | Ellen Doubleday | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Remembering Ragtime | Evelyn Nesbit (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Buffalo Soldiers | Mrs. Berman | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Hawkins | Susie Hawkins | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Flamingo Rising | Edna Lee | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | The House of Mirth | Mrs. Carry Fisher | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Manila | Elizabeth | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Misadventures of Margaret | Till Turner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Man with Rain in His Shoes | Diane | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | Clover | Sara Kate | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Wings of the Dove | Susan Stringham | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Summer of Ben Tyler | Celia Rayburn | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Broken Trust | Janice Dillon | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Wings of Courage | Noëlle Guillaumet | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Favor | Emily | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Me and Veronica | Fanny | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | King of the Hill | Lydia | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Tales from Hollywood | Helen Schwartz | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | Tune in Tomorrow... | Elena Quince | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | Women and Men: Stories of Seduction | Vicki | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | A Shock to the System | Stella Anderson | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Handmaid's Tale | Moira | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Johnny Handsome | Donna McCarty | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | She's Having a Baby | Kristy Briggs | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Bedroom Window | Denise | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Native Son | Mary Dalton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | Snow White | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Once Upon a Time in America | Deborah Gelly | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Racing with the Moon | Caddie Winger | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Lovesick | Chloe Allen | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Ragtime | Evelyn Nesbit | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Ordinary People | Jeannine Pratt | Super Hit | Similar → |
Elizabeth McGovern - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Elizabeth McGovern?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Elizabeth McGovern is "Once Upon a Time in America" with a rating of 8.4/10.
How many movies has Elizabeth McGovern acted in?
Elizabeth McGovern has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Elizabeth McGovern?
Other notable films include "Ordinary People", "Woman in Gold", and "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale".